Air washer



` April 9, 1929.

T. S. PATTERSON AIR WASHER Filed May 12, 1927 Patented Apr. 9, 1929.

THOMAS SIIIAIEFEB, PATTRSDN, F STATE"COLLEGE vPIilNlQ'SYIiVAItTA.

l l.ZX-IR WASHER.

vAppiaation flied May 12,

The purpose of this invention is to supply pure moist air for hmm'dii'ication in the formation of a gaseous mixture for the operation of internal combustion engines.

In practicing the invention air is caused to travel through a body of water, preferably in jets, whereby dustand other impurities are removed and the air humidifled and conditioned to produce most advantageous results in a smooth running engine, an increase of power and a material reduction in the deposition of carbon.

lVhile the drawing illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that in adapting the means to meet specific needs and requirements, the design may be varied and such other changes in the y minor details of construction may be resorted to within the scope of the invention as claimed, without departing from the spirit thereof.

For a full understanding of the invention and the merits thereof, reference is to be had to the following description and the drawing hereto attached, in which,-

Figure 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, illustrative of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical, central, sectional view of the washer.

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 3 3 of Figure 2.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and designated in the several views of the drawing by like reference characters.

The numeral 1 designates the radiator and 2 the motor of a mechanically propelled vehicle, such parts being of well known construction and arrangement and illustrated to demonstrate the application of the invention. A tank 3 of suitable capacity and design is associated with the radiator 1 and motor 2, and for convenience, is mounted upon the latter and is formed with an inlet 4 for the inflow of air, and an inlet 5 for the inflow of water from the jacket of the motor, andan outlet 6 for the outiiow of the water to the radiator. Collars project from the tank 3 1927 serial No. 190,838.

belowV the cover, as indicated most clearly in Figure 2, and constitutes a guide for an air distributer movable vertically within the tank and controlled by the change of level lof the water therein.

The air distributer comprises a stem 3, and a head 9, and is preferably formed of a length of pipe having an end portion coiled to provide the head 9. A plurality of small openings 10 are formed in the top side of the head 9 for the discharge of air in jets. The stem 8 has a loose lit within the tubular air inlet and is directed in its vertical movement thereby. A lioat 11 has the air distributer connected thereto and is loosely mounted upon the lower portion of the tubular air inlet 4 and is directed in its vertical movements thereby. The head 9 of the air distributer is spaced from the float so as not to obstruct the discharge of the jets of air, while at the same time acting as a spreader to defiect the jets of air laterally to cause every part to come in contact with the water whereby impurities are eliminated. Any suitable means may be employed for connecting the air distributer to the float and, as shown, a clip 12 is employed. A plug 14 closes the lower end of the pipe from which the air distributer is formed and provides convenient means for removing any scale or other accumulation that may collect within the distributer.

The usual overflow pipe 13 associated with the radiator is provided with a check valve 15 which normally closes to prevent air entering the radiator but which is free to unseat to provide an outlet for an excess of water. A pipe 16 leading from the carbureter, not shown, extends into the upper portion of the radiator and conveys the pure moist air therefrom to the carbureter to be mired with a volatile hydrocarbon whereby to produce the gaseous mixture for operating the motor. It is observed that the tank 3 provides an additional cooling means for reducing the temperature of the water utilized in the cooling system. It also provides means for humidifying the air and removing impurities therefrom. The cool air drawn into the inlet 4 and discharged in small jets into the water contained in the tank 3 is heated, thereby resulting in warm air of an even temperature being supplied to the carburetor which is of advantage in obtaining a gaseous mixture free from liquid particles, with a result of a saving of fuel and a quick combustion with a minimum residue.

Having thus ydescribed the invention, I

claim:

A Water tank adapted to loe interposed in the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, a, tube projecting above and below the top of the tank to provide an air inlet and guide, an air distributer oomprisinga perforated head and a stem, the latter'tting loosely Within the said` tube, and a. float loosely mounted upon the lower end of the l0 said tube and having the air distributer oonnected thereto forrmovernent therewith and spaced thereabove Yand serving as a deeetor to spread the jets of air. Y

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

THOMAS SHAFFER PATTERSON. [L S.] 

